Functional Medicine

What is the Functional Medicine Approach?

Functional medicine professionals rely on their education and training in key physiological, genetic and biochemical processes for establishing an innovative form of total client wellness. Functional medicine involves understanding the origins, prevention, and treatment of complex, chronic disease.

Hallmarks of a Functional Medicine approach include:

Client-Centered Care

An integrative, science-based healthcare approach

Integrating best medical practices

The focus of functional medicine is on client-centered care, promoting health as a positive vitality, beyond just the absence of disease. By listening to the client and learning his or her story, the practitioner brings the client into the discovery process and tailors treatments that address the individual’s unique needs.

Functional medicine practitioners look “upstream” to consider the complex web of interactions in the patient’s history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to illness. The unique genetic makeup of each patient is considered, along with both internal (mind, body and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors that affect total functioning. We dig beneath the presenting symptoms to reach the root. We do not simply mask symptoms and hope for them to go away.

Functional medicine integrates traditional Western medical practices with “alternative” or “integrative” medicine. Functional medicine focuses on prevention through nutrition, diet, and exercise; it utilizes the latest laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques; and it employs a combination of drugs and/or botanical medicines, supplements, therapeutic diets, detoxification programs, or stress-management techniques.

With this comprehensive approach to treatment, most imbalances in functionality can be addressed, some can be completely restored to optimum function and others can be substantially improved.

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Jennifer Champion, MSc

Jennifer Champion, MSc, holds a Master’s of Science in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States. The focus of her nutrition programs is education on the interplay between food choices and health status. Having been morbidly obese and diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome herself at one point, her main foci are on weight loss and women’s health. However, all are welcome to inquire about nutrition and health assistance.

Research and Publications

The information contained on this website is for general educational and informational purposes only. Any information found on this website should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for professional medical advice from a licensed health care professional. If you have questions regarding your health or are in need of medical advice, you should contact a licensed health care professional to address your specific needs. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.